Murry Hammond: Ride This Train

I Don’t Know Where I’m Going But I’m On My Way
Murry Hammond
(Humminbird Records)

“I Don’t Know Where I’m Going But I’m On My Way,” the solo debut from Old 97’s bassist/vocalist Murry Hammond, sounds as you figure it would, if you consider the Old 97’s dynamic. Frontman Rhett Miller’s releases outside the band have for the most part contained bright, uptempo tracks laced with familiar touches of power pop. Hammond, used to standing stage left and stepping forward for an occasional lead vocal, has compiled a more low-key, mainly acoustic release for his first solo turn. Old 97’s fans: Think “Valentine” to get an idea of the basic sound of “I Don’t Know Where I’m Going But I’m On My Way.”

Hammond’s approach is not only logical, it’s entirely appropriate for the material. “I Don’t Know Where I’m Going But I’m On My Way” employs songs about religion and railroads to convey a journey at times mapped out and at others metaphoric, weaving together songs and spoken word, as the narrator seeks stability and spirituality.

Hardcore fans might already be familiar with Hammond’s disc. For two months before its national release, the album was available at Old 97’s shows and via mail order. Hammond made the album available early because he wanted to use its proceeds to raise money for the non-profit organization Project Mercy, which builds housing in Tijuana, Mexico, using volunteer labor provided by area churches. Hammond plans to have the album always available at Old 97’s shows, with future proceeds going to charitable groups.

“I Don’t Know Where I’m Going But I’m On My Way” is mostly acoustic except for a bit of electric bass, an approach that contributes to the album’s decidedly old-time feel. Hammond has arranged his original songs among traditional or public domain material such as “What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?” and “Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down” and Carter Family selections such as “I Never Will Marry” and “In The Shadow of Clinch Mountain.” He even wrote one song, “Riding The Rods,” around 1930s pulp-magazine poetry glorifying train travel. Throughout, Hammond’s presentation reminds the listener that themes of loss, love and wanderlust have been around for a long, long time.

Though it’s being released outside the Old 97’s, “I Don’t Know Where I’m Going But I’m On My Way” is in no way a departure for Hammond. Hymns are second nature to him; he performs gospel music at his home church in California when he isn’t touring. And original songs such as “Lost at Sea” and “Next Time Take The Train” bear the unmistakable stamp of Old 97’s, their chug and gentle, melodic flow carrying the listener from start to finish. Trains run through the blood of Hammond and his band.

From the careful art direction to the material to the arrangements, trains also steam through “I Don’t Know Where I’m Going But I’m On My Way.” But it’s more than a collection of train songs. The disc is carefully assembled, with crossfades that blend songs seamlessly and thoughtful placement of the material that ensures good flow from track to track. The instrumental “Grainer” sounds like a train rolling from station to station, barreling out of “Riding The Rods” and gradually slowing as it pulls into “You Will Often Meet Obstruction.” Small touches abound, such as the whispered prayer bouncing from the left side of the mix to the right between the instrumental and vocal versions of “Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down.”

“I Don’t Know Where I’m Going But I’m On My Way” is an accomplished debut, and sheds further light on Hammond’s contributions to the Old 97’s aesthetic. Though it’s a little moody and mellow to make it right for all occasions, the album is a thoroughly engaging listen, and one likely to get listeners wrapped up in the long-lost romance of train travel. Hammond seems to know it, and in songs such as “Next Time Take The Train” he appeals to the free spirit in each of us:

Trains roll in the hearts of men
And freedom rides the one within
And every man’s the hobo he imagines.

Hammond may be accustomed to standing away from the spotlight, but “I Don’t Know Where I’m Going But I’m On My Way” shows that he doesn’t need to take a back seat to any member of the band.